The Nāṣirī Generations 281.3

281.3

Notwithstanding all the efforts the Mughal troops and the infidel Nu-ins and the Bahadurs were using, the holy-warriors of the fortress continued to defend the head of the breach until one of the famous Bahadurs of the Mughals, who had gone away in some direction, when he returned to Mangutah, began to reproach him, saying: “What stronghold and fortification is this in the taking of which thou makest so much delay and hesitation? I would take it in a single assault.” The following night he made preparations, and put a great number of Mughals under arms; and, suddenly and unexpectedly, in the third watch, which was the time the guards on the walls took repose, and the men of the fortress had gone to sleep, he appeared on the top of the breach. The grace of Almighty God was such, however, that the people of the fortress had mixed up a vast quantity of water and clay in rear of the breach, and had [thus] prepared a great pit and deep quagmire, more than a spear’s length in depth. When that Mughal Bahadur planted his foot within the breach, under the supposition that it was firm ground, he fell into the quagmire, and sank in it. The people of the fortress raised a shout ; and they brought out torches, and armed themselves, and the Mughals retired.